Early goal lifts Newton boys past Clarke

CLARKE — Landon Bozarth scored in the 4th minute, but it was the only goal of the match during the Newton boys soccer team’s 1-0 road win over Clarke on Thursday.

The Cardinals posted their second straight shutout and won the non-conference matchup despite putting only nine of their 26 shots on goal.

“We did enough to win,” Newton head boys soccer coach Zach Jensen said. “We didn’t play well though. We didn’t connect in the final third. We had plenty of opportunities but didn’t capitalize.”

Bozarth scored his third goal of the season and Austin Kennedy delivered his second assist.

Javin Doland made six saves and now has 173 this spring, which ranks second in Class 3A.

Jensen was happy with the way his back line preserved the 1-0 lead for 76 minutes but didn’t think his team was good enough overall.

“We completely dominated the first half,” Jensen said. “We had to preserve a lead in the second half. That can be tough, but credit to the guys for getting it done.”

The Cardinals’ back line includes Kent Montgomery, Micah Mattes, Parker Kennedy, David Wickett and Henry Allen.

Newton and Clarke (3-5-1) played for the first time in the Bound era. The Cardinals (5-8-2) are now 4-4 in their last eight matches.

The Indians were shutout for the third time this season.